In Chinese legend, the emperor Shen-Nung first brewed the beverage in 2737 BC when a few leaves from a plant fell into water he was boiling. Today, this beverage has become one of the most drunk beverages of all time next to water. Tea, as we all know it, has been with us since time immemorial. The health benefits of tea have been recognized for more than a millennium. It was used as a cure for colds and infectious diseases, and it also aids the digestive and nervous system.
Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods that can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. Tea contains high levels of antioxidants, some of which are called polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins, and all of which take on the “free radicals” in the body and prevent them from harming the healthy cells on board. This means that drinking tea gives antioxidants in the body which are best in preventing diseases.
Fluoride can also be found in tea. Fluoride has bacteria killing properties, which help control bad breath and formation of plaque.
The three major types of tea are black (fermented), oolong (semi-fermented), and green (fermented). Each of them has its own properties and health benefits. From the archives of Internal Medicine study, we can see that tea drinkers have lower blood pressure compared to those that did not drink tea. It also lowers cholesterol and protects against heart diseases.
Tea can also be of help in preventing cancer. Colon cancer can be prevented with frequent drinking of white and green tea. Black and green tea slows down the propagation of cancer cells in the prostate. For esophageal and lower cancer stomach, green tea is your choice. Tea can also protect you from cancer caused by smoking and lowers the risk of skin cancer.
Tea is recognized by many as a beverage for boosting the body’s defenses; it reduces the risk of hypertension and kills leukemia cells.
Not many beverages have these effects on our body as much as tea does. It’s organic and good for the body. So grab a cup and take a sip and enjoy.
